Breaking Down 2016 4-Star RB Melquise Stovall's Top 6 Schools

Melquise Stovall, among the most coveted uncommitted playmakers in America, appears prepared to stay put in Pac-12 territory during his collegiate career.

The 4-star running back from Los Angeles County revealed his top options Tuesday on Twitter and is targeting June 14 as a decision date:

Stovall's focus is squarely centered on six schools at this stage. He identified Arizona State, Washington, USC, UCLA, Arizona and Cal as his collection of favorites.

These Pac-12 programs now have nearly three months to strengthen relationships with the running back. Stovall shared he plans to "take a few more unofficial visits" before wrapping up his recruitment. 

The 5'9", 180-pound Paraclete High School junior is rated third nationally among all-purpose backs in 247Sports' composite rankings, exhibiting excellent skills as both a rusher and receiver. He gained 1,603 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground in 2014, adding 415 yards and two scores through the air.

Stovall claimed running back MVP honors two weeks ago at The Opening Regional showcase in Los Angeles. Interest from college coaching staffs mounted at a steady pace this month, with offers arriving from Arizona State, USC, UCLA, Fresno State and Nevada during recent weeks. 

His reaction to a long-awaited offer from the Trojans seems to give Steve Sarkisian a slight edge entering the final stretch of this pursuit.

"USC was big," Stovall said told Barton Simmons of 247Sports. "USC was always my dream school."

The Trojans' depth was directly impacted by recent scholarship sanctions, crippling the program's ability to build a layered corps of quality running backs. Sarkisian landed a pair of rushers last signing day, headlined by 4-star Texas talent Ronald Jones II, but another influx at the position is paramount next year.

Stovall also told Simmons a mid-April trip to Washington is in the works. 

The Huskies entered this hunt early, extending an offer to Stovall last May. Chris Peterson is currently targeting several California running backs, including Romello Harris and Sean McGrew. 

Cal is another squad juggling multiple West Coast recruitments at the position, with McGrew and Damian Alloway emerging as legitimate possibilities.

Many figured Alloway would land at UCLA during a Monday announcement ceremony, but the 4-star prospect pushed back his decision plans and will utilize more visits in coming months. That leaves the door open for Stovall with the Bruins, who just signed top-rated 2015 running back Soso Jamabo.

Arizona and Arizona State annually attempt to pluck top-tier talent away from Southern California. Each program has enjoyed success in that regard under current coaching regimes, and Stovall is another crown jewel up for grabs in the Golden State.

Considering the slew of offers that arrived for Stovall during recent weeks, his time frame for a decision situates him well to spend days at various campuses.

With an upcoming journey to Washington already locked in, look for him to coordinate a double-dip trip to Arizona that allows him to learn more about both out-of-state options.

USC seems to be the front-runner here, but there is still a substantial chunk of time between now and his anticipated pledge. The Trojans currently hold 75 percent of expert commitment predictions in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.

Despite USC's perceived advantage, a versatile talent such as Stovall will have others chasing him through June 14 and beyond en route to national signing day.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.